It may seem like a strange statement but it’s true, bananas are good for your hearing health. Check out which other foods help to support healthy hearing below.
So, why are bananas good for your hearing health?
Potassium can help to regulate the fluid in your inner ear. As we age, these fluid levels drop which can lead to age-related hearing loss. The more potassium we have in our diet, the better for our inner ear fluid. Potassium is found in a lot of foods, but perhaps most famously in bananas! It is also found in potatoes, oranges, melons, yoghurt, spinach, tomatoes, raisins, low-fat milk, apricots and lima beans.
Folic Acid
It is widely known that pregnant women are encouraged to take folic acid supplements at the beginning of their pregnancy. However, we all need folic acid in our diets to help the body generate healthy red blood cells. Having healthy red blood cells contributes to the overall health of the hair cells in your ears. Broccoli, spinach, asparagus, liver and fortified breakfast cereals all contain folic acid.
Magnesium
Trials have been completed in the past where participants were treated with magnesium (alongside vitamins A, C and E) and then exposed to high levels of noise. The researchers believe that the magnesium acted as a barrier to hair cells in the inner ear. You should add some to your diet (particularly on days where you know you’ll be exposed to a high level of noise). Magnesium is found in broccoli, spinach, potatoes, bananas and artichokes. Another triumph for the banana!
Zinc
Zinc aids in healing wounds and increasing cell growth. Having zinc in your diet could potentially help to ward off any ear infections. Beef, pork, cashew nuts, peanuts, almonds, split peas, beans, oysters, lentils, and dark chocolate contain zinc. It is important to note that if you chose to take zinc as a supplement, you must consult your GP first as it can affect any antibiotics or diuretics.
Omega 3
Omega 3 fatty acids are celebrated for their anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties. Research has now found that they could also potentially reduce the risk of hearing loss. Omega 3s help with your brain function, including sending signals between your brain and ears more effectively. Omega 3s are found in oily fish such as salmon and sardines, as well as in krill oil, flaxseed oil and soybean oil.
Most people who enjoy a balanced diet get all of the vitamins and minerals they need. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to check out which foods from above you could increase your intake of. If you think you may already be experiencing hearing loss, it’s important to seek the assistance of a hearing healthcare professional and get booked in for a hearing consultation.
